The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare has urged the Ministry of Ayush to expedite its proposed plan to make AYUSH medicines more accessible through Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs).
The recommendation focuses on accelerating the proposed co-branding initiative to improve access to selected, quality-tested AYUSH products through an existing government-supported medicine distribution network. However, wider implementation of the initiative remains subject to further government action.
Parliamentary Committee Calls for Time-Bound Action
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare has asked the Ministry of Ayush to speed up the proposed co-branding of AYUSH medicines at Jan Aushadhi Kendras.
The recommendation highlights the need for a clear implementation plan rather than prolonged deliberations. Under the proposed arrangement, selected AYUSH medicines could be made available through the Jan Aushadhi retail network under a coordinated branding approach.
The initiative aims to expand access to traditional systems of medicine by using existing medicine distribution infrastructure. However, the committee’s recommendation should not be interpreted as confirmation that the proposed arrangement has already been implemented nationwide.
Jan Aushadhi Network Could Expand Access
The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) is a government initiative intended to provide quality generic medicines at affordable prices through Jan Aushadhi Kendras.
The existing network could provide a distribution channel for selected AYUSH products. According to a Department of Pharmaceuticals release published in March 2026, five Ayurvedic product entries had been added to the scheme’s product basket and were available through selected Jan Aushadhi Kendras.
The products included Chyawanprash Special in two pack sizes, Triphala, Shilajit and Ashwagandha.
The parliamentary committee’s recommendation seeks to accelerate the broader co-branding initiative. The final range of products, participating outlets and implementation arrangements will depend on subsequent government decisions.
Potential Benefits for Consumers
Expanding the availability of selected AYUSH products through an established retail network could offer several potential benefits.
- Wider availability: Consumers may gain access to selected AYUSH products through participating Jan Aushadhi Kendras.
- Affordable options: The Jan Aushadhi scheme focuses on affordable medicines. Actual prices and savings will depend on the products offered.
- Quality assurance: Appropriate quality testing and standardisation are important considerations as the range of products expands.
- Greater awareness: A coordinated distribution and branding approach could help consumers identify participating outlets that stock selected AYUSH products.
These are potential benefits rather than guaranteed outcomes. Their extent will depend on implementation, product selection, supply arrangements, pricing and quality-control procedures.
Quality and Standardisation Remain Important
Expanding access to AYUSH medicines needs to be accompanied by appropriate quality assurance and regulatory oversight.
Requirements governing eligible manufacturers, product quality and applicable standards are important to ensuring that products distributed through the scheme meet relevant requirements.
Consumers should not assume that availability through a government-supported retail network means a product is appropriate for every individual or health condition. Products should be used according to their approved instructions and relevant professional guidance, particularly by people with existing medical conditions or those taking other medicines.
The committee’s emphasis on standardised products highlights the importance of maintaining quality as access expands.
Parliamentary Committee Recommends Broader AYUSH Integration
The parliamentary report also discusses wider measures to improve access to AYUSH services within the public healthcare system. These recommendations extend beyond the proposed Jan Aushadhi co-branding initiative.
Integration with Public Health Facilities
The committee has called for better coordination between the Ministry of Ayush and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to improve the availability of AYUSH facilities at Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs) and district hospitals.
It recommended developing a baseline policy for co-location of AYUSH facilities in a minimum proportion of existing and newly sanctioned public health institutions. The committee also highlighted the role of the National Ayush Mission (NAM) in encouraging states and Union Territories to extend these services.
These are recommendations and should not be treated as new nationwide requirements already in force.
Reaching Underserved Communities
The report also discusses outreach measures, including satellite clinics and community-based services.
The committee recommended a more systematic approach to expanding access to AYUSH services in underserved rural and tribal areas. Such initiatives could help address geographical barriers to accessing healthcare, subject to implementation by the relevant authorities.
Integration of Digital Health Services
The committee also suggested integrating digital health platforms such as eSanjeevani and hospital management information systems into AYUSH dispensaries and clinical units.
Such integration could support remote consultations, digital record management and coordination of healthcare services.
Other recommendations include infrastructure support for smaller institutions and service charges at National Institutes. These proposals are separate from the Jan Aushadhi co-branding initiative and would require their own implementation measures.
Significance of the Recommendation
Jan Aushadhi Kendras already provide a retail channel for medicines under a government-supported programme. Making selected AYUSH products available through this network could offer consumers an additional route to access these products.
The recommendation also highlights the need to balance availability and affordability with product quality, regulatory compliance and reliable supply.
The initiative’s effectiveness will depend on how the government translates the committee’s recommendations into a practical implementation plan, including decisions on product selection, participating outlets, pricing and quality safeguards.
For healthcare professionals, AYUSH practitioners and consumers, the key question is whether the proposed expansion will lead to wider and more reliable access without compromising appropriate standards.
What Consumers Should Know
The committee’s recommendation does not establish a new application process or guarantee that every Jan Aushadhi Kendra stocks all AYUSH medicines.
Consumers should:
- Contact their nearest Jan Aushadhi Kendra to confirm product availability.
- Follow announcements from the Ministry of Ayush and the official Jan Aushadhi scheme website.
- Read product labels and instructions carefully.
- Seek appropriate professional advice when considering products for a specific health condition.
Consumers should rely on official announcements for confirmation of any new products, participating outlets or changes to the scheme.
Conclusion
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare has urged the Ministry of Ayush to expedite its proposed co-branding of AYUSH medicines at Jan Aushadhi Kendras.
The recommendation seeks to use an existing medicine distribution network to improve access to selected AYUSH products. Some Ayurvedic products have already been reported as available through selected outlets, but broader implementation of the proposed co-branding initiative remains dependent on further government action.
The initiative’s eventual impact will depend on the products included, the outlets covered, the reliability of supply, pricing arrangements and the quality safeguards adopted.
Sources:
- Medical Dialogues: Parliamentary Panel Urges AYUSH Ministry to Expedite Co-branding at Jan Aushadhi Kendras.
- Press Information Bureau, Department of Pharmaceuticals: Official release.
- Ministry of Ayush: Official website.
- Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana: Official website.
